How Can I Start Composting?

Compost is a transformation process where material from plants or animals is used as essential fertilizer for gardens. Likewise, today the habit of growing at home has become very popular and for that reason, the growth of vegetables, whether in a field, greenhouse, or pot, requires specialized techniques. So one of the most sustainable and organic options that can facilitate its proper development is what we know as composting.

Planting requires fundamental care. It is not only about the irrigation times or exposure to light, it is also necessary to improve the soil where it is grown and provide the plants with essential nutrients for their optimal conservation.

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The environment where any plant grows is the earth. That is why we must pay attention to the quality of the compost and its preparation since the health of the plant will depend on this. The first step is to achieve a rich and fertile place where the seeds can reach their best balance in all their stages of development. 

What are the ingredients needed to make compost?

They are cataloged as follows:

• Thick and thin: They can be branches, dry leaves, paper, or cardboard.
• Fine and moist: Food residue remaining from cooking or fresh-cut grass.
• Guano: Excrement of poultry, ruminants, or worms.

These elements are very important because they are the most organic mineral fertilizer that exists and, in turn, will allow the nutritive strengthening of the land and that of the crops that are going to be planted. 

How is compost made?

It is done in layers. You start by placing the thick material so that it allows the air to circulate properly. Then come the ingredients with fine and moist characteristics that will be placed alternately in the same layer. Finally, the rest of the organic compost is distributed, creating a kind of mattress.

It is necessary to observe and be very careful with humidity so that it occurs in a controlled way for excellent oxygenation. After these components are located in an organized manner, the rigorous transformation procedure follows. This will require time and, above all, a lot of patience. 

Finally, when the compost reaches its best state of conservation, it can be used for any type of crop. However, it is necessary to control it,  change it and aerate it at least once a month, since its usefulness will depend on climate change and other environmental factors.

Composting brings multiple benefits. One of them is zero cost because anyone can do it by recycling what they previously used.